All that You Wanted to Know About Restoration!
Antique restoration,hair restoration,refinishing and restoration
What exactly is meant by “restoration”? It is a process that attempts to
bring back a deteriorated object to its original state by concealing the
damages. Traditional methods are still followed, though newer and better
processes are rapidly coming up too.
From earlier times, restoration of antiques
has been attempted with an airbrush as well as with the use of different
paints and lacquers. The airbrush is part of overspray restoration, and
is used to conceal small break lines, hairline cracks and stains. But
this sort of filling in is not expected to last more than ten years, after
which discoloration can set in.
True, when expert professionals handle the job, then even from a normal
distance, the end-results look very convincing. But it is when the yellowing
begins that you begin to wonder what really lies below the surface. The
hidden cracks, missing areas that have been replaced by plaster or resin,
etc., all reveal themselves. Thinly-applied paints can result in abrasions
while handling the piece. And that is when you get apprehensive about
the future condition of your precious antique.
Of course, ultra-violet light can be utilized to check the damages caused
by the overspray. And the good news is that this deterioration is reversible.
You can get everything cleansed, conduct a re-repair, and then sell it
to a collector if you wish to. One way not to become a victim of deception
would be to ask the conservator to provide a detailed written explanation
about the restoration process. Then, you will always have proof of what
occurred.
Other mistakes committed by restorers include—poor bonding of joints;
a groove cut in the shape of a “V” along break lines to accept fills;
aggressive rubbing with abrasive papers; and removal of glaze or gilt
or enamel because of the use of flint sandpaper, silicon carbide and aluminum
oxide. Thus, restoration is done cleverly, but not ethically, and ultimately
your antique is the loser!
Fortunately, modern times have seen advances in the arena of antique
restoration. So the scenario is improving! Stains can either
be totally discarded or lightened with the aid of mild acids and alkalis,
detergents, steam wands, solvents and poultices. Lasers have promised
their help too in the future. Since so much is taken care at the cleansing
stage itself, further costly repairs can be dispensed with; affordable
ones can be taken up.
Epoxy resins are replacing adhesives that caused harm with their ability
to yellow soon and their viscous nature. These resins even match color
fills. Thus, today’s restorer can experiment with depth, color and translucence.
Original surfaces will not be marred by badly filled voids or rivet holes
or chips or glaze loss. Modern materials also allow for imitation of jade,
parian and cloisonné. Thus, the best is yet to come in the field of antique
restoration!
